Lee Kwon-mu

Lee Kwon-mu (; 1914–1986), also known as Yi Kwon-mu or Ri Gwon-mu, was a North Korean general officer during the Korean War. He commanded a division, and later a corps, on the front line of the conflict and received North Korea's two highest military honours, the Hero of the Republic and the Order of the National Flag, First Class.

Biography Lee was born in Manchuria in 1914 to two Korean refugees. He joined the Chinese Communist Eighth Route Army, fighting both the Chinese Nationalists and the Imperial Japanese Army. Some reports indicate he was also a Lieutenant in the Soviet Red Army during World War II and a personal friend of Kim Il Sung.

On June 25, 1950, Lee subsequently led his division to the capture of Seoul in the First Battle of Seoul. He was awarded his decorations for this action. After Seoul, Lee was leading his division south when it encountered forces of Task Force Smith at Osan, defeating the US Army in its first engagement in Korea, the Battle of Osan on July 5. Lee's division went on to fight the US forces back further at the Battle of Pyongtaek, Battle of Chonan, the Battle of Chochiwon and the Battle of Uijeongbu. At the Battle of Taejon from July 12–20, Lee's division was pivotal in routing and defeating the US 24th Infantry Division, a feat for which it was upgraded to the status of a guards unit. Lee also received the Hero of the Chosun Minjujui Inmun Kongwhakuk (Hero of the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea) and the Order of the National Flag, First Class for his accomplishments. Under his command, the NK I Corps participated in the Chinese Third, Fourth and Fifth Phase Offensive in 1951.

Later life After the war, Lee resumed his position as the chief of staff of the KPA. By 1959, however, Kim Il Sung systematically purged all rivals within the Soviet and Chinese factions of the KPA, and Lee was removed from his position. He disappeared from public life soon after his removal.